Arguably the most iconic Pokémon are those from the first generation, as they've had more time than any others to seep into the hearts of video gamers, trading card players, and anime lovers alike. Fans have created some amazing artwork in honor of these Kanto Pokémon throughout the years, and some of the best have been collected here.
From choosing a starter Pokémon in Pallet Town, earning the eight gym badges, and traversing the Kanto region to compete with the Elite Four in hopes of becoming the champion of the the Indigo League, there are many memorable moments and beloved Gen 1 Pokémon that fans have commemorated in fan art since they debuted almost 25 years ago. This is the generation where it all began, and it has been revisited with games like Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! in 2018, as well as the 2017 film, Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!
To shine a light on these beloved Kanto creatures, a handful of some of the most stunning Gen 1 Pokémon fan art has been gathered below to celebrate these pioneers of the Pokémon franchise. Each image is accompanied with a link to the talented artist, so fans can check out their other work.
Gen 1 Pokémon Fan Art: Charmander, Squirtle & Bulbasaur Ready For Action
It feels natural to start this list with the same Pokémon many trainers chose from to begin their own journey to become a Pokémon master. Artist Dane Larocque on ArtStation created this epic and realistic piece featuring Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur, very much in the fashion of the reptilian creatures they're based on. The Squirtle Squad shades make for a nice touch, proving that even Pokémon in their first evolution can be tough and relentless fighters.
Gen 1 Pokémon Fan Art: Gym Leaders & Companions
In order to compete with Elite Four, trainers must first travel throughout the various Kanto areas to earn their eight gym badges. This illustration by ArtStation's Soanja Connac captures each gym leader and the Pokémon that are commonly associated with them. The long journey starts with Brock and Onix from Pewter City, and trainers must battle their way and come full circle back to Viridian City for the surprising encounter with Team Rocket boss Giovanni and his loyal and classy cat Pokémon, Persian.
Gen 1 Pokémon Fan Art: Team Rocket Gang
Speaking of Team Rocket, Deviant Art's Poison-type Pokémon don't normally get as much love as others. In the anime, Koffing and Ekans stayed loyal to their comic-relief villains through many adventures, eventually evolving into Weezing and Arbok. In the Pokémon The Series: Ruby and Sapphire's sixth episode, "A Poached Ego!," the duo said their tearful goodbyes to Team Rocket.
Gen 1 Pokémon Fan Art: Memories of Kanto
Reddit tiffany-tees is responsible for this gorgeous illustration, depicting multiple Kanto Pokémon with a dreamy Celadon City background. Up front is Red, the Gen 1 game character that Ash Ketchum is loosely based on, looking cool and collected with a curious Pikachu on his shoulder. The image provides an immersive feel into the fictional world of Pokémon, and the colors and detail make for a truly breathtaking composition.
Gen 1 Pokémon Fan Art: Gengar, Haunter & Gastly
This haunting work from Lavender Town ghost Pokémon in a realistic and terrifying manner. Known for being a group of pranksters, Gengar, Haunter, and Gastly appear much more menacing here than the games or anime represented them. This certainly looks like a trio trainers would want to avoid.
Gen 1 Pokémon Fan Art: The Legendary Birds
ArtStation's Pokémon The Movie 2000, as the Gen 2 Legendary Pokémon Lugia can be seen as a shadow looming in the back. Thus, this seems like the perfect image to close with, as this Pokémon movie serves as pivotal transition from Gen 1 to Gen 2 in the anime.
